While other industries took a major economic hit during the global pandemic, the sport of golf received a major boost given the imposed social interaction restrictions in place.
The first two letters of golf illustrate the momentum generated—go!
The Time Factor
As golf grew at the beginning of the 20th century, the overwhelming preponderance of players came from the upper classes possessing the twin essential elements of money and available leisure time.That dimension radically changed in the 21st century. Leisure time is measured by how many different engagements one can carry out in a 24-hour period.
In years past 18-hole rounds of 4-6 hours were needed in concert with traveling to and from the desired course.
The time squeeze is more and more pronounced for those under 35. Eighteen-hole rounds are no longer the norm. Nor the overwhelming need to play on a traditional outdoor course.
The spurt of indoor golf facilities has been impactful. Golfzon Range by Leadbetter in Little Ferry, New Jersey, is one example. Students engage teachers without having to face the inexorable waiting times and delays associated with traditional golf or the vagaries of weather caused by Mother Nature.
Traditional driving ranges have evolved to entertainment options that include golf but with a much more robust social dimension. Topgolf, a Dallas, Texas-based company, has over 80 U.S. sites and nearly 100 venues worldwide. Over 50 percent of those coming to Topgolf had never held a golf club in their hands until that first visit.
Traditional golf courses have added “short courses” where people play in far less time. The Cradle, a 10-acre 9-hole layout, is situated at Pinehurst Country Club in North Carolina which hosts the U.S. Open in June.
Cost and Instruction Factors
Golf’s genesis originally appealed to those with the deepest of pockets. It provided for social interaction among those of similar origins and served to isolate those coming from lesser points on the socio-economic ladder.Golf has never been an inexpensive sport. Rising incomes and popularity of the sport have certainly introduced millions to the sport but over the last 25 years, the escalating costs have seen a steady rise.
In years past golfers could purchase a complete set of clubs for under $750. Now, a singular purchase of one club can reach that total.
For a complete set of quality clubs with a golf bag and shoes, the costs can easily go beyond $2,000. 18-hole rounds can easily reach triple digits at the more noted facilities.
When Tiger Woods first entered the professional ranks there was an uptick in minorities joining the game. That specific progress has stalled.
Women, particularly young girls, have escalated their involvement in golf after years of being shunned at many private clubs.
Nonetheless, with inflation hovering golf still requires a deep dive into one’s pockets. No small wonder pickleball has become all the rage.
Playing golf is anything but rudimentary. Naturally athletic individuals have found an easier time in getting started but the coordination of a golf swing motion can be extremely challenging.
Quality instruction does exist today but often times relegated to high-end private clubs and top-tier resorts.
Organizations such as the PGA of America have created different mechanisms for qualified teachers to assist player development. However, much of that effort has been centered upon those showing the greatest promise in playing in organized competitions.
Golf’s Environmental Factor
It has been said water is the oil of the 21st century. Those within the golf industry have made a concerted effort to demonstrate a clear sensitivity to counter the viewpoint that the sport is nothing more than a drain on precious resources.The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) has expanded education efforts among members. Most notably in proactively curtailing excessive water usage and the unnecessary application of pesticides and fertilizers.
Golf courses have also become more “natural” in appearance and now harmoniously co-exist with native plants and species, as well as a home territory for migratory birds and other localized animals.
Nonetheless, environmental groups remain unconvinced.
The United States Golf Association (USGA), has expanded research through its Green Section in order to minimize water usage. However, the broader golf community—over 45 million in the United States played golf on and off-course in 2023—is still viewed as wasting natural resources and in reshaping land in a detrimental manner.
The tagline “elitist” stubbornly clings. According to the National Golf Foundation, the sum total of the economic impact of golf exceeded $100 billion in 2022.
The stakes going forward will only increase and necessitate a more collaborative approach. Golf requires placing a ball into a hole. The key for global golf leaders is not placing their head in such a hole where the future is anything but certain.
